By Jon van Wyk

If, like me, you have become increasingly aware that the days of your youth have long departed, and have appreciated the adage, “Youth is wasted on the young,” you are not alone.

To be fair though, no matter your stage in life, there is no denying that youthful vigour has always been a powerful force in shaping society and culture. It’s fair to say that young people have always stood at the intersection of the past and what comes next. More recently, young people have come to be viewed as a driving force that renews and challenges culture, and to a large degree, our view of the world.

Throughout history, young people have played pivotal roles in moments of upheaval and change. Alexander the Great was in his early twenties when he presided over one of the largest empires the ancient world had ever known. Joan of Arc was a fresh-faced teenager when she led French forces with such strength that she changed the outcome of the Hundred Years’ War for France.

More recently, American youth changed the world when they participated in groundbreaking demonstrations in the 1960s, while an increasing number of youthful innovators in technological fields have redefined communication, education, and creativity in the digital age – Mark Zuckerberg and Facebook, case in point.

Not surprisingly, being young is also closely associated with a high degree of creativity. A large number of influential artists, writers, and musicians produced groundbreaking work early in their lives, using youthful insight to challenge traditional forms of artistic expression. From the painters and poets of the nineteenth century to contemporary filmmakers, musicians and artists, young people have consistently pushed boundaries and introduced new ways of thinking. Their willingness to experiment and question accepted societal norms allowed the cultural zeitgeist of the day to evolve, rather than follow the status quo.

Sadly, with society becoming increasingly fragmented and divisive, today’s youth tend to be viewed with a mix of scepticism, suspicion, expectation, and burden of responsibility. Whether we agree with it or not, they are held up as the generation that will inherit the current challenges of our world and develop solutions for the future.

This view places our youth in a position of trust, recognising their adaptability and capacity to learn quickly in a rapidly changing world. It is heartening to see that many young people today are still willing to engage actively with issues such as environmental sustainability, mental health awareness, and social equality, demonstrating a global consciousness beyond their years.

Ultimately, being young has always been synonymous with possibility and potential. It is a time marked by growth, discovery, and ambition, where energy is boundless and ‘the sky is the limit’, as our youth begin to define their values and aspirations.

I believe that society will always benefit when our youth are encouraged, supported, and trusted, as their enthusiasm has the potential to bring renewal to a jaded world. With a history rich in innovation and a future full of promise, youth remains one of humanity’s most valuable and hopeful resources.